We didn’t plan this exhibit… but nature brought it to us.
Enjoy.
Monarch butterfly chrysalis on the outside of the museum. We have milkweed plants growing in the front flowerbeds, which the monarch butterflies use as food supplies.
https://www.monarch-butterfly.com/
The second generation of monarch butterflies is born in May and June, and then the third generation will be born in July and August. These monarch butterflies will go through exactly the same four stage life cycle as the first generation did, dying two to six weeks after it becomes a beautiful monarch butterfly.
The fourth generation of monarch butterflies is a little bit different than the first three generations. The fourth generation is born in September and October and goes through exactly the same process as the first, second and third generations except for one part. The fourth generation of monarch butterflies does not die after two to six weeks. Instead, this generation of monarch butterflies migrates to warmer climates like Mexico and California and will live for six to eight months until it is time to start the whole process over again.
It is amazing how the four generations of monarch butterflies works out so that the monarch population can continue to live on throughout the years, but not become overpopulated.
Mother Nature sure has some cool ways of doing things, doesn’t she?
Judy Toupin
Managing Curator
Mattawa Museum
